Empowering Youth, Building Futures through Music
At Kidznotes, we believe that music is a powerful tool for personal and community transformation. Our mission is to engage and empower young people by offering high-quality music education. We envision a world where every child, regardless of background, has access to life-changing musical opportunities, fostering social change and a brighter future.
Rooted in the El Sistema model, Kidznotes provides equitable access to music education through full scholarships and the provision of instruments for participating students. Our program offers more than just music—it is a vehicle for leadership development, academic success, and character-building.
Our curriculum begins with the Mozarts Program for 1st-2nd graders at select schools and expands to the Nucleo at Fayetteville Street Elementary for students in grades 3-12. Through rigorous instrumental instruction, music theory, general music, and ensemble rehearsals, we provide a comprehensive out-of-school program designed to cultivate musical and personal growth.
Our Teaching Artists are dedicated professionals who not only teach music but also mentor and inspire our young musicians. Kidznotes operates for 8 hours per week, 21+ weeks a year, ensuring our students receive consistent and meaningful support to unlock their potential and enrich their lives.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Mozarts Program
Offered in partnering elementary schools, students in grades 1-2 participate in music fundamentals and violin instruction for 1.5 hours twice per week. Mozarts allows our youngest students to expand on their in-school music instruction and introduce them to playing an instrument.
The Nucleo
This is the heart of Kidznotes, where students in grades 3-12 gather for music instruction, community, and collaboration. Students are divided into four groups according to age and skill beginning in the 2024-2025 school year. All instruction takes place in group settings, including instrumental ensembles (band and orchestra), and instrument-specific group classes. Students may also participate in exciting electives such as small ensembles and group piano lessons supported by Keys for Kids. Students opportunities include access to scholarships, performances at the Nucleo and in the community, mentorship, and guest artist collaborations.
Program Components
Instructional sessions: Classical orchestral training sessions are held for 8 hours weekly by instructors who are inspired by the El Sistema methodology and approach.
Informal and formal performances: Students give frequent performances in small ensembles and larger groups to become comfortable in front of audiences — and to build group solidarity. They perform informally (for each other, parents, visitors) and formally (for scheduled audiences in the community and beyond).
Field trips, visits by performing artists, other music-related activities: Kidznotes students and their families go on field trips to concerts (symphony, chamber music, festivals, schools) in order to foster awareness and appreciation of the larger arts community and its possibilities. In partnership with our community partners, Kidznotes students and families also have the opportunity to take part in workshops, master classes, and demonstrations by our guest performing artists.
Parent outreach: Kidznotes families are invited to engage in the program’s goal of building community by attending sessions and performances, accompanying children on field trips, meeting with program staff, and even volunteering in the program.
